Anna Nicole Smith first rose to fame in 1992 as Hugh Hefner, founder and chairman of Playboy magazine, chose her for the March cover. She had incredible sex appeal and a striking resemblance to former Playboy model, Marilyn Monroe. A year later, Anna become Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1993. From there, she did several more nude pictorials and secured clothing and modeling contracts. Several "B" movies followed with mild success.
In 1994, she married 89 year old billionaire tycoon Howard Marshall, who frequently visited her when she was a stripper in a Houston Texas club. Marshall died in 1995 and a family feud erupted as both Anna Nicole Smith and Marshall's heirs battled over the will left behind by the deceased Marshall. Nicole-Smith stood to inherit more than a half a billion dollars. That legal battle is still going on.
From there, Anna had her own reality television show where the camera's followed her around as she went through her everyday life. Appearances on shock jock Howard Sterns radio show where she entertained Howard and his audience with her ditzy charm.
Anna Nicole's weight ballooned to hefty proportions and the tabloids printed countless numbers of non-flattering photo's of her new found weight gain. The red dress photo sticks in my mind.
Fast forward a few years and Anna is the spokeswoman for a dietary supplement program, Trim-Spa and her weight was reduced drastically. So much so that she was almost in her Playmate posing form.
Late last year, Anna married her friend and attorney, Howard K. Stern. She gave birth to her daughter and a few days later her 20 year old son died from an overdose. Through all this turmoil, Larry Birkhead, a former boyfriend of Anna Nicole's, filed a lawsuit claiming he was the biological father of the baby girl and demanded a DNA test to determine paternity. Howard K. Stern stated the child was his and another round of legal battles ensued.
Now we know the back ground and the stage is set for the Anna Nicole conspiracy. With half a billion dollars at stake, let's look at the usual suspects.
First, we have the Marshall family heirs. The family has been dragged through the mud for years with the ongoing legal proceedings. With the sudden death of Smith, the probate battle should come to an end with the Marshall family reaping the benefit.
Second, We have Howard K. Stern, Anna's significant other, attorney, and supposed lover. What does he stand to inherit with Smith's will, the one he prepared.
Third, we have Larry Birkhead, boyfriend claiming to be the biological father of Smiths child and only heir to a possible half a billion dollars. If test results come back positive, he could be in for a huge windfall.
Fourth, we have Trim-Spa and several lawsuits brought against her and the company claiming the product description is incorrect. A high profile spokesmodel like Smith with a year of bad press can not be good for business.
Fifth, we have Anna herself. She was fighting legal battles on all fronts. Probate court, Trim-Spa, DNA tests, the death of her son, Bahamas land deals. The stress had to be immense. Perhaps she couldn't take anymore.
Anna Nicole Smith always wanted to be the next blond bombshell, the next Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps Anna got her wish.
LURKING ON THE GRASSY KNOLL
